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Medway Maritime Hospital came out of special measures in March

Almost 90% of nurses from the Philippines have failed English tests which are part of a hospital's bid to fill hundreds of vacancies.

Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent said 52 out of the 59 candidates had failed one or more of the listening, reading, writing and speaking tests.

According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request 202 nurses are being recruited from the Philippines.

The NHS trust said the failed candidates intend to re-sit the tests.

The other candidates are still taking the tests or awaiting the results.

The hospital hopes the first of these will begin work later this year.

James Devine, executive director of the Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: "As part of our own selection process, we ensure that candidates are able to communicate effectively with patients and each other.

"All non-EU trained nurses are also required to pass additional tests required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council before taking up employment, and we currently have a number of potential nurses either awaiting results, or in the process of undertaking these tests."